THREE years ago the village of Northenden boasted seven thriving pubs - now it has just two.

The demise of the public house has led civic leaders to predict 'the death' of the pub in Northenden and they put the blame squarely at the feet of the new bars that have opened on Palatine Road.

This week the Crown Inn was the latest in a long line of Northenden boozers to announce its closure.

The old pub, which dates back to the 1890s, became the fifth pub to close in Northenden in the past three years.

Les Ardron, Northenden Civic Society's treasurer, said: "We're seeing the death of pubs in Northenden. The problem is that the council is granting these licences for bars all over the place. There are so many of them on the front now. It's killed the pub life."

Alan Cameron, 54, a Crown regular, said: "We've just got the Eagle and the Farmers Arms left now. When the smoking ban comes in I reckon it's going to kill the pubs off altogether."

Mark McConachie, chairman of the Stockport and South Manchester Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch, said: "Northenden is a sad story, pub-wise."

Crown owners Punch Taverns insist The Crown has only been closed temporarily due to landlady Deborah Horner being made bankrupt.

A Punch spokesman said: "The Crown is currently closed as a result of the personal financial difficulties experienced by the licensee, Deborah Horner.

"We are trying to work with her, and assist her as best we can, and she remains the leaseholder for the time being."

Northenden's pubs have been falling lack a pack of cards since the Jolly Carter - which dates back to the late 1950s - was demolished in 2004.

This was followed by the closure of the Church Inn, which has been on Church Road since 1890 but is now about to be be turned into luxury apartments.

Meanwhile, the Tatton Arms on Boat Lane, which re-opened under new management just before Christmas only to close again last month, looks set to be sold.

And, three weeks ago, the Northenden British Legion Club on Royle Green Road closed down after 45 years because of high maintenance costs. It will, however, be replaced by a new club in about eight months' time.

On Palatine Road the story has been quite the reverse, with a host of flourishing bars such as Bar Bibo, Escape, The Mill, Lounge About and Kazbar having been opened.

Karen Rossam, the owner of Kazbar, said: "We're a freehouse and we don't undercut pub prices. The punters from the pubs are coming here now."